Study Identifies Resilient Western U.S. Rivers
A new study published in the journal PLOS ONE has mapped waterways across the contiguous United States to identify areas that could help sustain freshwater biodiversity amid changing climate conditions. Researchers highlighted mountain rivers in Idaho and Montana, as well as the headwaters of the Colorado River system, as particularly resilient. These waterways benefit from features like longer-lasting snowpack, less nearby development, and connectivity that allows aquatic species to move into cooler or more suitable habitats. Conversely, desert rivers in New Mexico, Arizona, and southern Nevada were found to be more vulnerable due to water scarcity and additional pressures from a warming climate. The study aims to guide conservation efforts by identifying areas where protection and restoration could have the greatest impact.
